Hugh Freeze is a long-time college football coach but he recently experienced a first in his career. Auburn’s head coach announced a well-deserved scholarship for senior wide receiver Kassidy Woods.

Woods’ wife and young daughter were on hand for the emotional reveal that touched everyone in the room. Freeze shared that Woods took out a private loan just to be able to walk-on for the Tigers.

“I have never in 31 years of coaching done this before…Man, you have earned it. You come to work every single day with a smile on your face,” Freeze said. “You stay after practice and you serve this team well. That is what it’s about. It’s about serving each other. So congratulations to you.”

Woods, who began his career at Washington State and also played at Northern Colorado, has caught 15 receptions for 170 yards this season for Auburn. Woods is grateful for the new opportunity and the bond he’s developed with his teammates.

“I really just want to say thank y’all, man. God’s grace and mercy have really been over my life. Y’all really have accepted my family and it’s cool to just have this experience with y’all. And y’all just seeing Serenity grow up,” Woods said. “I just want to say I love y’all and I appreciate y’all. Thank you.”